Colorado River Below Laguna Dam flow report
As of July 13, 2026, Colorado River Below Laguna Dam is flowing at 348 cfs with a gage height of 3.15 ft, holding steady over the past 24 hours. Source: USGS gauge #09429600, refreshed throughout the day.
Historical Data
Colorado River Below Laguna Dam at a glance
How Colorado River Below Laguna Dam is running right now, where it sits on the map, and the key gauge stats.
Colorado River Below Laguna Dam is flowing at 348 cfs, with the water sitting 3.15 ft at the gage. Flow has held roughly steady over the past 24 hours.
This is USGS gauge #09429600 in California. Over the past 10 days the average has been 356 cfs, peaking at 364 cfs.
Over the next 5 days, Colorado River Below Laguna Dam is expected to hold near today's 353 cfs, toward roughly 379 cfs by 2026-07-17 (likely range 285-503 cfs) -- running well below the seasonal normal.
For real-time updates and historical context, see the realtime view or the historical comparison. Browse other gauges in the California flow report.
Streamflow Forecast
Powered by PULSE — Snoflo’s Predictive Unified Learning & Simulation Engine, which learns from how this river has answered every past storm, snowmelt, and dry spell to forecast where it’s headed with a precision generic models can’t match.
How does this compare to past years?
Year-over-year overlay, annual peak discharge, the full distribution of daily flows on record, and the gauge's rating curve.
Weather Forecast
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day forecast
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Colorado River Below Laguna Dam
The Parker and Davis dams upstream can also affect the flow. The seasonal trends of the river are influenced by snowmelt and rainfall with the peak flow occurring in May and the lowest flow in October. The hydrology of the river is interesting as it serves as a primary water source for over 40 million people and has led to the formation of iconic natural features like the Grand Canyon. However, due to overuse and climate change, the river faces significant challenges for maintaining water supply in the future.
Nearby streamflow levels
Cross-check Colorado River Below Laguna Dam's discharge against nearby gauges to spot whether the change here is local or regional.
| Gauge | Streamflow |
|---|---|
| Colorado River Below Laguna Dam | 348 cfs |
| Reservation Main Canal Near Yuma | 0 cfs |
| North Gila Main Canal Nr Yuma | 33 cfs |
| Titsink Canal Nr Yuma | 0 cfs |
| Gila Drain No. 1 Near Yuma | 4 cfs |
| Levee Canal Wasteway Near Yuma | 5 cfs |
River levels & flood safety
- Read the level before you go
- A river that's runnable at one flow can be deadly at another. Check current discharge and gage height — like the values shown above — against the flood-stage thresholds, and remember levels can spike fast after rain or a dam release.
- Respect cold water
- Snowmelt rivers run cold even in summer. Sudden immersion triggers cold-water shock and saps strength within minutes. Wear a PFD, dress for the water temperature (not the air), and never wade or paddle alone.
- Watch for swiftwater hazards
- Strainers (downed trees), undercut rocks, and low-head dams are the deadliest features on moving water. High, fast, muddy water hides them. If in doubt, scout from shore and portage.
- Mind flash floods & releases
- Narrow canyons can flood from a storm miles upstream, and dam-controlled reaches can rise without warning. Know the forecast, the release schedule, and your exit before you launch.
Track Colorado River Below Laguna Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this gauge as a favorite, set push alerts when streamflow crosses a threshold (e.g. "alert me when Colorado River Below Laguna Dam crosses 5,000 cfs"), and Snoflo's iOS app will push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
About Colorado River Below Laguna Dam
Where does the streamflow data for Colorado River Below Laguna Dam come from?
Discharge, gage height, and water temperature come directly from the USGS streamflow gauge 09429600. Snoflo refreshes the time series throughout the day. Forecasts come from the NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
USGS gauges report continuously (typically every 15 minutes). Snoflo pulls fresh values throughout the day — look for the "as of" timestamp on the streamflow hero card.
What's the difference between discharge and gage height?
Discharge (cubic feet per second, or cfs) is the volume of water flowing past the gauge each second. Gage height is how high the water sits at the gauge (feet). They're related by a rating curve specific to each gauge — higher water means more flow, but the exact ratio depends on channel shape.
How is "percent of median" calculated?
Today's discharge is compared to the historical median discharge on this calendar day across the gauge's full record. 100% = right on median; 200% = a very high year; 30% = a drought-level low.
What are flood stages, and is this river safe right now?
Flood stages are NWS-defined gage-height thresholds — Action, Minor, Moderate, Major — marking when nearby roads or floodplains start to be affected. "Safe" depends on your activity and skill: a level that's a fun paddle for an expert can be lethal for a wader. Always check the current level against the thresholds above and the safety links, and when in doubt, stay off the water.
Can I get alerts when Colorado River Below Laguna Dam rises?
Yes — flow alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this gauge, set a streamflow threshold (e.g. "alert me when discharge crosses 5,000 cfs"), and you'll get a push the moment USGS reports the crossing.
Access the free Colorado River Below Laguna Dam report
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